How Much Does Rehab Cost?

Getting professional help for alcohol use disorder, drug use, and other addictions is possible even if you don’t have health insurance or a lot of money in the bank.

We understand how concerns over the cost of rehab may still prevent you from working toward recovery. Keep reading to learn how much rehab costs and what financing options might be available to you.

1. Price Levels of Addiction Treatment

The variety of treatment options and therapies available in drug and alcohol rehabs is extensive. Because of this, there’s not really an average cost for rehab and different programs can have vastly different costs.

In the U.S., the cost of residential rehab programs can range from more affordable options that cost less than $10,000 to premium, single-client addiction treatment centers that can cost upwards of $80,000.

Several elements determine how much treatment at different rehab facilities will cost.

Infographic showing a comparison between the cost of treatment and the consequences of addiction. A scale tips heavily toward addiction, with blocks representing life lost, relationships broken, job loss, jail time, medical bills, substance costs, and legal fees. The treatment side shows only a single block labeled program cost. Text above states that treatment can cost thousands, but addiction costs everything.

2. Factors That Influence the Cost of Rehab

Type of Treatment

The word “rehab” is an older way to refer to many kinds of treatment programs. The most common of these are detox programs, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and inpatient treatment, also known as residential rehab. The difference between most of these treatment plans is whether you go home every day after treatment sessions (outpatient programs) or whether you live and receive care 24/7 for an extended amount of time at a facility (inpatient care/residential).

These types of treatment often include resources for family members and loved ones, support groups, and connections to various helplines and other resources for when you leave treatment.

Some facilities provide medical detox, which includes medical oversight for detoxification. These programs may use medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, like Methadone for opioid use. Inpatient rehab costs can be higher if the program includes medical detox.

Typically, more time spent at a center results in higher costs for addiction treatment programs. One study by the U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reports that “a course of outpatient treatment averaged less than 10% of the cost of inpatient treatment.”¹ Though residential treatment programs may be slightly more effective for some people, “preference might still be given to non-residential treatment based on cost-effectiveness.”

How do you pay for rehab?

Paying for treatment can feel overwhelming, but there are many options available that include insurance coverage, sliding-scale fees, state-funded programs, and even community-based resources like churches or nonprofit organizations. It’s crucial to make financial information more available, accessible, and easy to understand so that cost isn’t an immediate deterrent to seeking care. When financial options are difficult to access or navigate, they can become a major barrier, so creating a transparent and supportive process helps ensure that people can get the help they need.
Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC-II, BACC

Infographic titled Main Factors that Determine the Cost of Treatment, featuring six key elements: level of care, length of stay, medication needed, insurance coverage, facility amenities, and location. Each factor is represented by a circular icon, and a large prescription bottle is illustrated on the right.

Location

Highly desirable settings, like the beach or mountains, will likely increase the cost of treatment. But, traveling abroad for substance use treatment can sometimes be less expensive than getting treatment locally because of the cheaper costs of operations in different locales, like Thailand or Bali. Garry Irvin, Admissions Manager at The Dawn Rehab describes the cost of drug rehab in Thailand:²

Clients coming from Western countries, from the US, from Australia, UK, would be able to get three or four months’ worth of treatment here for what they would get for a month back at home.

Services Offered

The cost of rehab may increase with additional treatments like detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), complementary therapies, outpatient care, or aftercare. These may be offered as optional “add-ons” at an extra cost depending on the treatment facility.

Program Length

The standard length of say at a residential rehab facility is 30, 60, or 90 days. Program rates generally increase according to how long you stay.

Amenities

Treatment at centers with luxurious accommodations and exclusive amenities, like pools and lounges, fully-equipped gyms and sports courts, and business centers or computer labs will likely cost more.

It’s important to remember that the cost of a treatment program doesn’t always correlate with the quality. In other words, just because you’re paying top dollar for a program doesn’t mean you’re necessarily getting the best treatment, and vice versa.

There are many factors to consider, other than cost, that can help you determine the quality of drug and alcohol treatment programs and facilities. If you’re interested in a particular location or facility, the best thing to do is to call and talk to their admissions team to learn more about any specific benefits, prices, and payment options.

Most clients at All Points North Lodge use insurance; “the rest either choose not to use it or don’t have it.”

Bar graph infographic titled Comparing the Average Price of Key Treatment Types, showing cost ranges for 30 day outpatient, inpatient, and detox programs. Outpatient ranges from $1,400 to $10,000, inpatient from $5,000 to $80,000, and detox from $250 to $37,500. A hand holding stacked coins appears in the lower right.

3. Using Insurance to Pay for Addiction Treatment

Before you can use insurance to pay for addiction treatment, you need to know the following:

Does your insurance plan cover the type of treatment you’re considering, and the level of care you’re wanting?
Does the center you’re considering accept insurance?

Will My Insurance Cover Rehab Expenses?

Today in the U.S., most private health insurance policies do cover addiction treatment³ costs. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) classified addiction and mental health treatment as essential health benefits,⁴ thus requiring insurance plans to cover treatment for alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and mental health conditions. This includes inpatient programs and outpatient rehab.

Even though having insurance may increase your opportunity to receive treatment, in 2018 only 13.4% of insured adults with a substance use disorder received treatment.⁵ Additionally, spending on substance abuse treatment⁶ is just 0.6% of overall private insurance spending.

Understanding what your insurance provider and plan covers can be difficult, but it’s essential to make sure you’re taking advantage of all of your insurance benefits. The best way to know if your insurance plan covers substance use treatment is to call and discuss your plan details with a customer service agent at your provider.

Which Alcohol and Addiction Rehabs Accept Insurance?

Since the ACA was passed, most US rehab centers will accept insurance in addition to offering multiple payment options. If this information isn’t listed on the center’s website, an admissions officer can give you those details when you call. Per Jerry Vaccaro, President of All Points North Lodge in Edwards, Colorado,

Because we’re in the U.S. and we’ve got the Affordable Care Act…the vast majority of people who come to us have insurance. Some choose not to use it for a variety of personal reasons. In the facility, I’d say at any one time, probably 70% to 75% of our clients have insurance and are using it and the rest either choose not to use it or don’t have it.

How Medicaid and Medicare Can Help Cover Treatment Costs

In the U.S., eligible recipients of Medicaid or Medicare can use these federal- and state-funded health insurance programs to also help pay for treatment.

Medicaid is free or low-cost health care for people who meet low-income requirements, whereas Medicare is a US federal health insurance program for adults over 65 or under 65 with a disability, regardless of income. As one report explains, “To more broadly cover uninsured individuals, the Affordable Care Act includes a provision that allows states to expand Medicaid coverage. Benefits include mental health and substance use disorder treatment services⁶ with coverage equivalent to that of general health care services.”

Each state has different eligibility rules and treatment coverage, which often change annually, and not all facilities accept Medicaid/Medicare as a form of payment.

What is the average cost of rehab?

The average cost of rehab varies widely depending on several factors, such as the type of treatment, location, duration, and whether the facility is inpatient or outpatient. Traditional inpatient stays can range from $5,000 on the lower end to upwards of $80,000 for a luxury site. Although options are more limited for those in financial need, Medicaid, Medicare, government grants, and various managed care (insurance) plans may be able to offset some or even all of the cost, allowing minimal to no charge for the patient.
Matthew Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, CAADC, ACS, NCC | Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School

Infographic titled Top 3 Myths of Affording Recovery, highlighting common misconceptions that prevent people from seeking treatment. The three myths are treatment is only for the rich, insurance doesn’t cover rehab, and the more you pay, the better the results. Each myth is displayed in a quote box with a corresponding icon.

4. Paying For Rehab with Grants, Public Funds, and Scholarships

With or without insurance, you may still need additional funding to fully pay for treatment. As the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2016 report on addiction elaborates, although insurance coverage is critical for individuals with substance use disorders,⁶ “it is unlikely to cover all the services that such individuals may need, such as crisis services (e.g., emergency treatment intervention), housing, supported employment, and many community prevention programs and services (e.g., school-based prevention programs).”

There are public funds available through government organizations like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as grants from private institutions, like SAMHSA, and even scholarships from some rehab centers directly.

It’s historically documented that, in the U.S., state and local governments have been “the largest source of spending on substance use disorder treatment.”⁷ In 2009, excluding Medicaid expenses, their funds covered $7.6 billion—nearly a third—of total spending on substance use disorder treatment.

These forms of financial assistance to help pay for treatment are available because many institutions, including rehab centers themselves, recognize how vital treatment is and how financially beneficial it is for all of society for people to receive treatment.

“Although the United States spends roughly $35 billion across public and private payers to treat substance use disorders, the social and economic costs associated with these disorders are many times higher: Annual costs of substance misuse and substance use disorders in the United States are estimated at more than $400 billion,” according to the Surgeon General’s report. “Thus, treating substance use disorders has the potential for positive net economic benefits,⁶ not just in regard to treatment services but also general health care.”

To find out if a particular rehab center offers scholarships and how to apply for the reduced costs, contact the center directly. An admissions specialist can help you navigate the process of getting funding for treatment.

5. Additional Rehab Treatment Financing Options

If you don’t have insurance, or perhaps don’t want to use your insurance coverage for whatever reason, there are other payment options: financing directly from a treatment center, personal loans from family and friends, personal loans from a bank, or paying via credit card.

In general, the main goal of getting financing is to decrease or eliminate your out-of-pocket financial obligations. To that end, choosing a credit card or a loan with low interest rates and manageable payback terms may be preferable.

Some credit card companies offer deferred interest rates for medical-related expenses, including substance and mental health treatment. Furthermore, some centers offer financing options directly from their own funds or work with third-party lenders to create affordable loan packages.

Rehab can be a life-changing (and life-saving) experience, but it does often entail a sizable investment.

Disclaimer: Please note that it’s important to speak with your own financial advisor before taking action that will financially affect your future.

Using Your Own Money to Pay for Treatment

Another way to fund treatment is to self-pay using savings or other assets. In fact, this is one of the most common ways to pay for rehab. Do note that many rehab centers require full payment upfront. Alternatively, you can ask about any payment plan options such as putting down a deposit to secure your spot and then paying off your treatment in increments or monthly payments. Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions, explains the process at Gallus Detox Center in Colorado:

We can put clients on a bit of a payment plan to take a percentage of that upfront and then spread the rest of the payment out over several months. We then also work hard for the verification of benefits to be able to reimburse them as much as possible. We do everything we can to try to make it as cost-effective as possible.

Again, the best way to know what options your rehab center offers is to call them directly.

Is going to treatment or rehab worth it?

The answer requires careful consideration in terms of my commitment to recovery. Is going to treatment or rehab worth it, especially when considering the financial cost? Substance use invariably results in the loss of one’s identity. When we consider the impact of substances on one’s self-perception, the collateral damage, coupled with the onset of hopelessness, is going to treatment or rehab worth it? Yes, there’s no amount of money I wouldn’t spend to get my life back. The relevant question regarding the financial cost of treatment is, am I committed to the recovery process?
Charles Harris, CADC-II

6. Your Recovery is Worth the Cost of Rehab

No matter how much residential rehab may cost, it is worth it to get the help you need—both in the short term and in the long run. This isn’t just because treatment may save your life, but also because addressing your addictions or mental health conditions now can help reduce your total healthcare costs throughout your lifetime.

As the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2016 Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health describes, “Costs associated with substance use disorders⁶ are not limited to health care. The accumulated costs to the individual, the family, and the community are staggering and arise as a consequence of many direct and indirect effects, including compromised physical and mental health, loss of productivity, reduced quality of life, increased crime and violence, misuse, and neglect of children, and health care costs.”

When viewed from this perspective, you can see how the reduction in your future health care costs that are associated with treatment and recovery “would more than cover the cost of addiction treatment.”

We know the expense of inpatient treatment can seem intimidating at first. But, your financial concerns don’t have to be roadblocks on your path toward recovery. There are many different paths you can take to get the help you need, no matter what your budget or financial circumstances are.

See our collection of rehabs to find centers offering recovery programs in various price ranges, as well as those that accept insurance.

FAQs

Q: What are the price levels of addiction treatment?

A: Addiction treatment costs vary widely based on the type of care provided. Residential rehab can range from under $10,000 for basic programs to over $80,000 for luxury treatment. Outpatient programs are generally more affordable, with costs starting around $1,000 and going up to $10,000 or more for intensive care.

Q: What factors influence the cost of rehab?

A: Several factors affect the cost of addiction treatment, including:

Type of treatment: Inpatient rehab is more expensive than outpatient programs.
Program length: Longer stays (60 or 90 days) increase costs.
Location: Treatment centers in high-demand areas (beachfront or mountain retreats) may cost more.
Services offered: Medical detox, therapy, and holistic treatments can add to the cost.
Amenities: Luxury facilities with private rooms, pools, or gourmet meals tend to be pricier.

Q: Does insurance cover addiction treatment?

A: Yes, most private insurance plans cover addiction treatment, including inpatient rehab, outpatient care, and detox. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), substance use treatment is considered an essential health benefit. However, coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to verify your benefits with your insurance company.

Q: How can I use Medicaid or Medicare to pay for rehab?

A: Medicaid and Medicare both provide coverage for addiction treatment, but eligibility and services covered vary by state. Medicaid is for low-income individuals, while Medicare is for adults 65+ or those with disabilities. Some rehab centers accept both programs, so it’s best to check directly with facilities or visit Recovery.com to find covered providers.

Q: Are there grants or public funds available to help pay for rehab?

A: Yes, several options can help cover rehab costs:

State-funded rehab programs: Many states offer low-cost or free treatment for qualifying residents.
Scholarships from rehab centers: Some private facilities offer financial assistance to those in need.

Q: What financing options are available for rehab?

A: If you don’t have insurance or need additional financial support, you may consider:

Payment plans: Many rehab centers offer flexible monthly payments.
Medical loans: Specialized loans for healthcare expenses.
Credit cards: Some credit cards provide deferred interest for medical expenses.
Personal savings or family contributions: Self-paying is also an option for some individuals.

Q: Is rehab worth the cost?

A: Absolutely. While rehab can be a significant expense, not seeking treatment often leads to much higher costs, including medical bills, lost income, legal issues, and long-term health complications. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that every $1 spent on addiction treatment saves up to $12 in healthcare and social costs.

Q: How do I find an affordable rehab center?

A: You can find cost-effective treatment by:

Checking insurance-covered rehab facilities.
Looking for state-funded or nonprofit programs.
Asking about sliding scale payment options at private centers.
Applying for scholarships or grants offered by treatment facilities.

If you’re ready to start treatment, reach out to a rehab center’s admissions team to discuss your financial options and find a solution that works for you.

April 3, 2025August 21, 2025

Starting Recovery Right: How to Find Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Reaching out for help takes courage—and you’ve already shown that by being here. Whether you’re dealing with addiction, mental health concerns, or both, we know how overwhelming it can feel to find the right care. But you don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll walk you through your options so you can feel empowered to make the choices that feel right for you.

A quick note about us: Recovery.com is an independent organization that helps people find quality care. We don’t own any treatment centers or take payments to recommend them. Our mission is simple: To give you honest, straightforward information so you can make the best choices for your recovery.

Infographic titled Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Level of Care. It features six questions in speech bubbles about medical support, structure, accountability, stability at home, balancing recovery with responsibilities, and ongoing support. A silhouette of a thoughtful person appears on the right.

Understanding Types of Treatment

Recovery programs offer different levels of care to match your needs. Here’s what you need to know about each option:

Medical Detox: Getting Started Safely

If you’ve been using alcohol, opioids, or benzos regularly, starting with medical detox isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial for your safety. Detox is a safe landing pad where caring medical staff help ease you through those first challenging days. Many treatment centers offer detox onsite, or they can connect you with trusted detox centers nearby.

Have questions about the detox process? Our detox FAQ covers everything you need to know about starting treatment safely.

Inpatient (Residential) Rehab

This is what most people think of as “rehab”—you live at a treatment center while focusing completely on your recovery. It’s like pressing pause on daily life so you can concentrate on healing, with 24/7 support from qualified healthcare professionals. Inpatient programs usually run 30-90 days, and you can stay longer if needed.

Want to learn more about what residential treatment is really like? See our detailed guide to what happens in residential rehab.

What is the best way to find mental health and addiction treatment?

It often takes a few tries to find someone who really gets you. I always recommend starting with therapist directories, and don’t underestimate the power of asking trusted friends, family, or other healthcare providers for referrals. Look for someone who feels attuned to your needs. It’s okay if you don’t click with the first person; fit matters, and it’s worth finding someone who truly feels like a good match.

– Amanda Stretcher, MA, LPC-S | Crescent Counseling

Infographic titled Understanding the Main Levels of Care, outlining seven addiction treatment options: medical detox, inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, sober living, continuing care, and virtual treatment. Each level includes typical timelines, settings, and support details. A note at the bottom highlights that moving between levels is normal.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): The Middle Ground

Want intensive support but need to sleep in your own bed? Day treatment might be right for you. You’ll spend your days in treatment (usually 30-40 hours weekly) but head home each evening. It’s ideal if you have a stable home life or you’re stepping down from residential care but want to keep that strong support system.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Flexibility Meets Structure

IOPs are great when you need to balance recovery with real life. You’ll attend treatment 3-5 days a week for a few hours each day, getting solid support while maintaining your daily routine. Many people choose this option when they have work or family commitments they can’t step away from.

Not sure whether you need day treatment or intensive outpatient? Our guide breaks down the key differences between PHPs and IOPs.

Sober Living: Your Recovery Community

Think of sober living as your home base for recovery after completing primary care treatment. You’ll live with others who get what you’re going through, in a substance-free environment that supports your new life. It’s perfect when you want that extra layer of support or need a fresh start.

Continuing Care: Growing Stronger

As you move forward, your needs will change—and that’s totally normal. Your care team will help you build a plan that grows with you, whether that’s regular therapy check-ins, medication support, or practical help with life skills.

Wondering what happens after rehab? Our guide to continuing care explains how to build lasting support for your recovery journey.

Virtual Treatment: Recovery at Your Fingertips

While online health services aren’t for everyone (especially if you need detox or round-the-clock support), they are making care more accessible than ever. If transportation is tough or you need extra scheduling flexibility, virtual options might be just what you’re looking for.

What to Look for in a Treatment Provider

When you’re looking at treatment programs, it helps to know what sets the great ones apart from the rest. Let’s start with one of the most important things to check—their credentials.

All About Licensing and Accreditation

Accreditation is a stamp of approval from organizations that check healthcare providers for quality and safety. Good programs will have their credentials proudly on display and be happy to talk about them. Not sure about a program’s credentials? You can always double-check them through your state’s licensing board or the Joint Commission’s website.

Here are the important ones to look for:

The Joint Commission: This is the gold standard in healthcare. When you see this seal, you know the program meets the highest quality standards.

CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities): This organization thoroughly reviews treatment centers to ensure quality care. Their seal means a program has met rigorous standards for treatment and safety.

Your state’s Department of Health license: This is your state’s official oversight of treatment programs. Every quality program should have this license, which shows they meet local requirements for providing safe, ethical care.

Want to verify a program’s credentials? Just ask! Ethical admissions teams will be happy to provide any information you need to feel comfortable moving forward.

The People Who Will Support Your Recovery

The heart of any great treatment program is its team. You want people who bring both expertise and compassion to your care. Quality programs have a mix of professionals—from psychiatrists and therapists to counselors and nurses—all working together to support you. Many programs also include team members who’ve been through recovery themselves, bringing both professional knowledge and personal understanding to your care.

Here’s who you’ll meet on your care team:

Medical team (doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, etc.): These professionals hold current state medical licenses and specialize in addiction medicine and mental health care. They’re there to keep you safe and comfortable and care for any medical conditions, especially when you’re first starting recovery as a new patient.
Therapists and counselors: Your therapists will have state licenses (look for credentials like LMFT, LCSW, or LPC) and experience helping people through recovery. They’re the ones who will work with you one-on-one and in groups to build your recovery skills.
Holistic practitioners: Many programs employ wellness professionals who support your whole-person healing through practices like meditation, yoga, art therapy, or nutrition counseling. They work alongside your core clinicians to support your overall well-being.

Don’t hesitate to ask about the team’s experience and credentials—quality programs are proud of their staff and happy to tell you about their qualifications.

Learn what credentials to look for in a quality treatment team in our guide to understanding rehab staff qualifications.

Infographic titled Red Flags to Watch for in a Treatment Provider, listing warning signs such as enrollment pressure, unclear schedules, false promises, hidden costs, shady kickbacks, lack of success stories, and unverified credentials. Each red flag is illustrated with a symbolic icon on a flag background.

Proven Treatment Approaches

The best programs use approaches that science has shown actually help people heal. These aren’t just trendy techniques—they’re proven methods that have helped many people build strong, lasting recovery.

You’ll work with therapists trained in evidence-based interventions like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), which helps you change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Other proven methods like DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) teach you how to manage emotions and stay present, while ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) helps you build a meaningful life in recovery. These practical tools give you real skills for lasting change.

Want to learn more about what makes these approaches so effective? Check out our guide to evidence-based addiction treatment methods.

Family Involvement

Quality programs understand that addiction affects the whole family. They’ll typically include your loved ones in the recovery process through family therapy sessions, educational programs about addiction, and support for rebuilding relationships. Many also provide resources to help family members with their own healing journey—because recovery is stronger when families heal together.

Get the details on how family therapy works in treatment in our guide to understanding family programs in rehab.

Open Communication

Good treatment programs prioritize clear, honest communication. The staff should take time to explain things clearly, answer your questions thoughtfully, and include you in treatment decisions. They understand that keeping you informed and involved is crucial to your recovery success.

Understanding Costs and Coverage

A trustworthy treatment center will be completely open about the financial side of care. They should explain all costs upfront, help you understand what your insurance plan will cover, and be clear about any additional expenses you might face. Good programs will also walk you through payment options and help you verify your health insurance coverage before you commit. There shouldn’t be any surprise fees or hidden costs along the way.

Get the full details on pricing, insurance coverage, and payment options in our guide to understanding rehab costs.

Watching Out for Red Flags

While there are plenty of reputable treatment programs out there, it’s important to trust your gut if something feels off. Be cautious if a program:

Pressures you to enroll right away using aggressive sales tactics
Gets vague when you ask about daily schedules or treatment details
Makes promises that sound too good to be true, like guaranteeing success
Isn’t clear about costs or adds surprise fees
Offers kickbacks or referral fees for signing up (this is actually illegal!)
Can’t share any success stories or references from past clients
Doesn’t have proper licenses and accreditations

The right treatment center will respect your need to gather information and think things through. They know this is a big decision that shouldn’t be rushed—after all, it’s about your health and recovery.

Sadly, treatment scams are out there—but we can help you spot them. Learn more in our guide to avoiding common rehab scams and unethical practices.

How do I find the right treatment provider for what I need?

Finding the right mental health provider starts with checking your insurance network so you can access care without financial stress. From there, read provider bios carefully—look for someone who specializes in your specific concerns and whose approach resonates with you. If something in their bio feels relatable or comforting, that’s a good sign. And remember, finding a therapist is like finding the right pair of shoes—you might have to try a few on before you find the perfect fit.

– Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, CIMPH | Astute Counseling & Wellness Services

Practical Steps to Finding the Right Provider

1. Start With a Professional Assessment

Many treatment centers offer free, confidential assessments over the phone to help you understand what level of care might work best for you. Their admissions team will ask about your situation and walk you through your options. You can also talk with your primary care provider (PCP), therapist, or local mental health professional to get their recommendations. The goal is to make sure you find care that fits your needs—you don’t have to commit to anything during these initial conversations.

2. Check Your Insurance Coverage

Most treatment centers have insurance specialists who will check your benefits for free—just call and give them your insurance information. They’ll work directly with your insurance company to find out exactly what’s covered, including how many days of treatment they’ll pay for and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.

You can also call your insurance provider yourself to learn about your mental health and substance use benefits. Either way, make sure to ask about in-network treatment centers (which usually cost less) and get clear on things like deductibles, out-of-network costs, and co-pays. Don’t worry if this feels overwhelming—that’s why admissions teams are there to help you figure it all out.

Learn more in our complete guide to using insurance (including Medicare) to pay for rehab treatment.

3. Research Your Options

Take some time to explore different types of providers that interest you. Use our treatment finder to get detailed information about each program, including costs, photos, virtual tours, and what day-to-day life is like there. You can also read online reviews about other people’s experiences (keeping in mind that everyone’s journey is different). Many centers welcome in-person visits, too.

4. Ask the Right Questions

When you talk with treatment centers, don’t be shy about asking questions—the right program will welcome them. Ask what a typical day looks like, what kinds of therapy they offer, and how they’ll help with both substance abuse and mental health conditions. It’s also good to learn about how they include family in treatment and what kind of support they offer after you complete the program. Remember, you’re looking for a place that feels right for you, and these conversations help you get a sense of how they’ll support your recovery.

Make the most of your first conversation with treatment centers using our guide on what to ask when calling rehab admissions teams.

What should I know about health insurance?

When searching for a mental health or addiction treatment provider, understanding your health insurance coverage is crucial to ensure you receive the care you need when you need it without unexpected costs. General considerations may include being knowledgeable of coverage verification, your in- versus out-of-network providers, prior authorization requirements, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, out-of-pocket maximums, duration of coverage, treatment types, medications, and anything else specific to your situation. Although your provider’s website may have much of this information readily available, particularly if you explore your personal account, it is recommended to reach out directly should you warrant further clarity. It is especially important to ensure that everything is authorized prior to engaging in treatment, as any issues here may lead to unexpected costs that can add up significantly.

– Matthew Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, CAADC, ACS, NCC | Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School

Illustration of a person confidently walking through an open door into a bright, glowing space with sparkles, accompanied by the motivational text You don’t have to have it all figured out—just take the next step, promoting hope and action in recovery.

Connect With Treatment Today

Recovery is a process that can profoundly change your life for the better. You deserve support in becoming your happiest, healthiest self—and help is available whenever you’re ready to take that next step. Find treatment options near you today.